Hey mates! Forgot to mention the only drawback I have experienced with this unit. If you'll be using (1) ultra-sensitive IEMs with it or (2) in a stereo rig as a preamp, then the SPL difference from 0 to 1 volume position is at least 10 to 15 dB, but the volume no longer goes up as drastically afterward. It was more annoying in a stereo setup, as sometimes I wanted to have the volume between 0 and 1 position, lowering the volume with my DAC instead (not optimal). Secondly, unintentionally I made a mistake in the video, expressing that it works in either Class-AB (50mA) or Class-A (100mA) - sorry about that. The thing is, it Always works in Class-A, but it works in a deeper Class-A operation when 100mW of quiescent current are delivered to the final transistors. This slight mistake however, doesn't change a single word from my sound performance description. I salute you all!
@TheGreatMrBill8 ай бұрын
Which IsoAccoustic feet are you using. You have link or sizing? I oredered through your link and I want the Iso feet before it gets here. Thanks : )
@Soundnews8 ай бұрын
@@TheGreatMrBill Iso-Puck Mini
@SirMesko3 ай бұрын
'when 100mW of quiescent' I think you mean mA :)
@justed413110 ай бұрын
Wow! I have to say, this is the most definitive out-tro Sandu has created to date!! As I can hear audiophile's keyboards working hard to place just one last order to reach audio nirvana!!
@bernardoandrade8810 ай бұрын
Hi Sandu! Finally is out, I have been waiting for this one and it as I thought we have a standout winner with S17 Pro! Good weekend everyone!
@toddh950089 ай бұрын
Beware that the volume control is wacky to say the least ! Below vol 55 it takes 4 steps of the control to make any change (for example 48,49,50 & 51 or 52,53,54 & 55 are the same level). Each volume change (4 steps total) is a 2dB step. Above 55 or from 55 to 56 there is a whopping 6 dB step and then from 56 to max, one volume change per step but back to 2dB steps. In my case I just leave the vol at 50 and adjust the output of the source up/down as needed. If your source is fixed this volume control will NOT work so BEWARE !!!
@tomgreb31719 ай бұрын
Thanks for the personal experience. I have purchased 2 of the S17 remote controls, and neither work. I bought this to use as a speakers preamp, and imho , not having precise remote volume control disqualifies its use as a main system pre. I am interested in your comment about fixed inputs not working with the remote??? Next step for me will be to contact the factory, but I think this requires more investigation so folks know exactly what they are getting, as compared to the sales materials.
@toddh950089 ай бұрын
@@tomgreb3171 Because of the the coarse volume steps and other oddities, I also would not recommend as a preamp. You need the s17 volume control to work properly if you only have a fixed level input ! I had no issues with the remote.
@colesweet84787 ай бұрын
This was a perfect review! I just upgraded to a Susvara and had no idea what budget options I had available to me. I am so glad I found your video, I purchased my s17 today and can’t wait to hear it hopefully this weekend! The best amplifier I have experienced prior to this was the topping A90 so I’m very excited to hear the difference! Thank you very much!
@sztruharrobert4 ай бұрын
What do you hear?
@RealSteveEyes2 ай бұрын
Did you like it?
@nusu533110 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for this review! Have not heard of it yet, but now I know it will be my next buy!
@Flavius710 ай бұрын
I expected this release for a long time after the impressive S7 Pro. That one also had control and alive dynamics, but with less power and musicality. Glad to find out they didn't rushed the S17Pro and took their time to create a masterpiece under 1000. This shows dedication, commitment and passion. Design kept beautifully simple... BRAVO! Aaaaand... SUBSCRIBE!
@sierre0010 ай бұрын
Yes! Had a s7 pro a while back, that was a little disappointing. Glad that aune is still in game
@Flavius710 ай бұрын
S7 Pro disappointing? How come? I personally thought was awesome for the price.
@marlowe153710 ай бұрын
Thanks for another great review, Sandu. I was already leaning towards buying this amp and am now pretty certain, though I have to wait about a month for funds 😛. BTW, I realize that it's hard to respond to all the requests for comparisons that have already been made here, and you may not even be familiar with some of the gear mentioned. But I hope you can respond to some of them very briefly, especially how the Aune stacks up to the Class A Burson Soloist 3X which is significantly more expensive than the S17 Pro, but not much over the 1K USD/euro level (well, until you add the stand and supercharger); I know you reviewed it very favorably a couple of years ago.
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
Hey mate, S17 is sweeter sounding in the midrange and overall has a better flow. Soloist 3X and all Burson-made amplifiers are notorious for having amazing dynamics and delivering a strong punch in the lowest octaves, but the S17 matches the Soloist 3X in those departments. The resolving abilities of S17 are also slightly higher. Soloist 3X was a very good amp and it's still an amazing-sounding unit, but S17 matched and even surpassed it in several aspects.
@marlowe153710 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews Thanks very much for taking the time to respond. I'm sold on the Aune.
@kla4bu10 ай бұрын
@Soundnews how its sound-stage (width and depth) comparetd to Soloist 3X ?
@shawnpwatsons110 ай бұрын
Fan-f*cking-tastic. This should really help tame some of the bright treble -focused planer headphones calm down.
@itk249310 ай бұрын
I was absolutely smitten when I heard this wee thing, I wasn't that familiar about aune so I had Topping but that has now gone as I went for the S9c for convenience, The S17 was better, it was paired with the S9c as the DAC section, but with some thought and budget limitations I went with the S9c but may add this later, this review confirms what I thought.
@hugodominguez686410 ай бұрын
What is your recommendation for a dac with it?
@ksreamaersk10 ай бұрын
How does it compares against Violectric V222 (which is a little above 1000€)?
@paulvigor82910 ай бұрын
Would also be interested in your opinion.
@alebt1710 ай бұрын
Personally, the headphone amps that I am looking at at the moment in order of price are: - Schiit Midgard at about 300€ - Aune S17 Pro at 729€ - Violectric V222 at 1199€ I think comparisons between these three amps in different budget classes would be very interesting
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
Hi mate, I'm sorry but I never tried a V222. Looking at internals it seems to have a linear PS, a fully discrete amp stage as well, the only thing I don't like is the Alps Blue Velvet pot (decent 10 years ago, horrible nowadays)
@carminedesanto67469 ай бұрын
GM☕️from Toronto. I just picked up the Bryston BHA-1 headphone/ Preamplifier for my 60th birthday…and it’s changed how I actually relate to my music . A top tier amplifier is not to be underestimated in what it can do . ….Now, I’m looking for a similar quality DAC upgrade ..for my next birthday 🤣…and the AUNE’s look interesting. Great video .👍👍
@TheSPazCORE9 ай бұрын
Congrats. BHA1 is a great amp. Only headphone amp I regret selling.
@carminedesanto67469 ай бұрын
@@TheSPazCORE Thinking Denafrips….
@jazzabana17 күн бұрын
Hi, on your webpage you’ve mentioned that u r working on something special with aune. Does it include a dac? Thank you in advance, I appreciate all the hard work you put in🙏
@asan105010 ай бұрын
Thanks Much!
@yogiwp_10 ай бұрын
I've downsized and only left with Soloist 3XP (with the vivid v6 and super charger upgrade). How does it compare?
@paulvigor82910 ай бұрын
I would also like to know the answer.
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
S17 is sweeter sounding in the midrange and overall has a better flow (mimicking a tube amp somehow). Soloist 3X and all Burson-made amplifiers are notorious for having amazing dynamics and delivering a strong punch in the lowest octaves, but the S17 matches the Soloist 3X in those departments. The resolving abilities of S17 are also slightly better. Soloist 3X was a very good amp back in the day and it's still an amazing-sounding unit, but S17 matched and even surpassed it in several aspects.
@yogiwp_10 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews Wow. And it's a lot cheaper. And seems to work as full-featured preamp as it has both balanced and SE pre-out (Soloist doesn't have SE pre-out).
@justed41319 ай бұрын
Well, that was a very thought provoking video, Sandu! Which leads me to ask you your opinion on something I can only guess at. None of my headphone gear will ever reach hi-end levels, and that's just fine by me. But I also don't want to simply throw my limited $$$ at a piece of gear which I will never be able to truly appreciate. That being said, if you were in my position, would my money be better spent on the Aune S9c all-in-one unit? Or do you believe I'd get to appreciate what the S17 PRO is capable of producing once it's matched up with a price appropriate dac? Once again, thanks for all the effort you put into your reviews!!
@Soundnews9 ай бұрын
Let me know what headphones you're using and what are your predominant musical genres. Ideally, I would like to know your current setup and I'll think about it.
@justed41319 ай бұрын
Hi Sandu, With my headphone systems I mostly listen to planars. I use the Monolith M1060's, Hifiman 400i(2014), 4XX, 5XX, my Fostex T20RP's, and my Sendy Audio Aiva's. Plus I now have the Hifiman Edition XS! Was also aiming for the EF600, but logic prevented me from that move. As I paid less for the EF400, Edition XS headphones, and a new Periapt balanced cable than the asking price of the EF600!! And the only iem's I own are the Audeze iSine 10's. Amps and dac's I use are; XDuoo XA-10, Hifiman EF400 R2R, Fostex HPA4 amp/dac used with an ifi Zen Can. And once in a while I'll add in my Little Dot mk2 with upgraded tubed. And the music I listen to ranges from rock, to modern blues, funk, easy listening, and pretty much anything with a good beat!
@jamesbush27208 ай бұрын
Hello Sandu, Incredible review!!! Extremely insightful as usual..😂 Would you put this S17 in the same category as a Ferrum Oor standalone (no Hypsos)?? Thisxwould be for a Susvara and possible Modhouse Tungsten application.
@korob200809 ай бұрын
Hi, Sandu. Thx for sharing. Will it retain its sound signature when using as a pre in a stereo system?
@anthony20107077 ай бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to review this product, i just received mine, i would like to use it as a preamplifier, do you know the setting for this, thanks.
@letsbefrank35 ай бұрын
Powerful, musical, dynamic, 'tubey'...made you want to keep listening to more and more music. Sounds very similar to the Xduoo TA-20 Plus you reviewed. Both balanced, both Class A. How close are they to each other would you say?
@cheveyo240310 ай бұрын
so what dac to pair with it? the s9c seems redundant since you pay "double" for its headphone section.
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
Couldn't agree more. I would go with a Gustard R26 or A26.
@maikij0829 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews Any recommendations for dac costing up to 800$ instead ?
@christopherlangley844110 ай бұрын
Hey Sandu, do you mind saying a bit about how these compare to the flux lab offerings? Thanks 😊
@keithjohnson286310 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. Does the S17 Pro have a fixed volume line out setting for feeding a volume controled integrated amp?
@gtm99964 ай бұрын
Hi Sandu (or anyone else), would you recommend the S17 if the sole genre I listen to is rock? Current setup: Gustard A26, Shure Aonic 50 cans (can’t quit these), and also HQplayer. I’m curious if the layering and dynamics would apply to noisy music.
@netanahum731710 ай бұрын
Would love a review of the geshelli labs j2 4499ex from you❤‼️
@rsvette1238 ай бұрын
Nice job thanks much
@dansisternas91589 ай бұрын
Hi Sandu, Nice review ! So this S17 Pro wins easily vs Chord Mojo 2?
@Soundnews9 ай бұрын
😆 Hey, can you really compare a unit no bigger than a pack of cigarettes with proper desktop amplifier? Mojo2 can't drive planars properly, S17 does that effortlessly
@dansisternas91589 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews I just ordered the S17 Pro 😅 What is the best way to connect it to the Eversolo DMP-A8?
@RealSteveEyes2 ай бұрын
@@dansisternas9158how do you like it?
@00Silu6 ай бұрын
Is The Aune S17 Pro an upgrade to the SMSL SP400? Or rather a sidegrade with a slightly warmer and more powerful sound presentation?
@consistency190710 ай бұрын
산두야 좋은 리뷰 고맙다.
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
my pleasure, mate
@peterlynn31909 ай бұрын
Wanted to subscribe all over again
@malakiy86885 ай бұрын
im seriously trying to buy the S17 pro ive probably watched thsis review 15 times lmao just looking for any hint to what i should do..so im mix engineer but i believe HIFI products are starting to be top tier options for critical listening. i mix only with Cans (audeze lcdx 2021 mainly) Thing is I want a home system and a to go system note ive have taken chord products out of this equation because the usb micro and the new usbc port on the mojo and or hugo 2 (micro usb) are not rugged enough I broke both the usb ports on my original mojo and mojo 2 (studio life is rough lol) i was thinking of the impressive fiio Q7 for mobile work! and the Aune S9c and S17pro for studio work! BUT i keep hearing that the Q7 can compete or even beat out with such a desktop stack like Aune has is this true? cause if so i would really only need the q7? i find this hard to believe! i have no way to test any of thesei truly rely on reviewers like yourself and constant research to make decisions! thanks for the hard work on the review!
@adasdasad-xu7il5 ай бұрын
I don't own the Q7, but I have a friend whom I trust a lot, and he speaks very highly of the Q7. I only own the S17, and I can tell you about its sound. It's a warm amp but not overly detailed. However, don't think it's dry; it has a full-bodied sound and feels like it's embracing you. If you have bright and sharp headphones, then it's the type of amp suitable for you.
@megatherium10010 ай бұрын
06:45 yeah, I think you should change to a more linear and neutral amp and dac setup when you edit the audio for your videos, you voice is coming a little bit harsher and unnaturally screechy tbh. Anyways, great video, I was looking up for when you release thee review of this amp to see if I buy it, already saw Zeus review but he can be a little bit hit or miss in his recommendations in my experience, that's why I trust your opinion a little bit more.
@marlowe153710 ай бұрын
Z's review is, as I expected, absolutely useless. Typically, it lacks any comparisons and gives no reasons for why he likes it and gives no description of how it sounds. But hey, we learned that he owns two Class A Rebel amps, each in a different color! (And no, he made no attempt to compare it with the S17 Pro). Sandu's detailed review, as always, is exceedingly helpful.
@anuragsaha14510 ай бұрын
How does compare to the Ferrum OOR?
@Quentininfirmier2 ай бұрын
Looking for a comparaison with trafomatic head 2 Please.
@unotsolucky9 ай бұрын
If it is the same footprint, can you put this on top of a Dac or a Dac on top of this? Or does it get too warm to stack them.
@soulfulfool8 ай бұрын
good question
@SimonP27 ай бұрын
I certainly wouldn't put anything on top of it. Underneath does get warm but with spacers it should be OK to put it on top of something else.
@bubukiskat4 ай бұрын
I bought aune 17 pro . There are problems with the volume control. Sometimes, when the volume is increased, the volume level decreases instead of increasing. Is this a warranty case?
@alexanderignatyev81759 ай бұрын
Hi, Sandu! Thanks for your really informative and detailed reviews! I wonder if you could help me in decision-making. I have just obtained two headphones: HiFiMAN HE6SE v2 and SENNHEISER HD 6XX. Now looking for appropriate HP amp(s) for them. I’m considering Aune S17 Pro or (and) xDuoo TA-20 Plus (though there are few reviews of it yet) Maybe I could buy both of them(for planar and dynamic HP respectively) Maybe you have other suggestions. At the moment I have “outdated “ Yulong Audio SABRE DA8 II and decided to go separately (DAC and HP amp) Would appreciate your advice! Regards,Alex.
@arrowzen74339 ай бұрын
Make sure to mod the he6 and give it enough power - like this amp here - and you will be close to audio heaven for sure.
@alexanderignatyev81759 ай бұрын
@@arrowzen7433 Thanks a lot!
@Nearest_Neighbor10 ай бұрын
What are you thinking about this plus the Gustard R26?
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
Should be an end-game setup for most people 😉
@Nearest_Neighbor10 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews Sounds good to me (I hope ;)). Thank you!
@Pablo-pk2qi10 ай бұрын
Im wondering how this compares to my FluxLab FA-12 fully balanced amp. You have reviewed FluxLab FA-10 once time, can you say something about differences between those two or its too far in time?
@priedits9 ай бұрын
How would s17 compare to mojo 2?
@Filopo0710 ай бұрын
Hi Sandu, hi guys :) Does anyone know what’s the gain (High, BAL mode) of this amp in dB? Sometimes amp specs list big nominal output power figures but the gain doesn’t allow to take advantage of that. Thanks!
@JoseFerreira-zb7wh10 ай бұрын
Is your evaluation the same when using the unit as a preamp alone?
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
Yes, with just one exception, the sound pressure level difference from 0 (complete silence) to 1 volume position is at least 15 dB, from 1 to 2 and so on it's no longer an issue. It's moderately silent at 1 (but not uber silent), I need to measure the SPL with a DB meter. That's the only drawback.
@JoseFerreira-zb7wh10 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews maybe they could launch a firmware update to fix that (if in fact it is possible)
@datdudeinred9 ай бұрын
Any equivalent exceptional pure dacs to pair with it in same price to performance ratio?
@Soundnews9 ай бұрын
Aune doesn't recommend getting the S9C (since it already has an hp out) with it. I would still go with a Gustard R26 or A26 and if you want the full package (DAC & streaming), then I would get the EverSolo DMP-A8 (review incoming) and call it a day.
@WildArtSAL1337Ай бұрын
have u tryed matrix mini-i pro 4 ?
@laszlokiss357810 ай бұрын
hi, may it be a good pairing with the Topping D70S? thx
@YTjuanchicod9 ай бұрын
Do you think it pair it well with the S9c and he1000se?
@Reeeepicheep10 ай бұрын
Gold award?
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
Definitely!
@peterlynn31909 ай бұрын
Want
@Prism_JTN8 ай бұрын
What was the song on that intro? I was not expecting it to go so hard.
@TheSaassaf10 ай бұрын
How are they compared to the gsx mini ? Thanks
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
I wish I had a GSX Mini around...never heard one.
@bodythetan10 ай бұрын
What dac would you recommend with this one?
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
The one that you already use? If you still don't have one, a Gustard A26 or R26 would sound like an end-game setup. If you need even more resolution, then Ferrum Wandla would be my choice.
@bodythetan10 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews thanks. I have an all in one atm (RME)
@Temmple9 ай бұрын
How does this amplifier compare to the S9C?
@PeterJvanHaren10 ай бұрын
Is there a chance you might review the S10N or S10 Pro?
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
I will ask around
@PeterJvanHaren10 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot. Your reviews of Aune make be quite interested in their products. Right now there is very little information out there about either the S10N or S10 Pro. Looking forward to your review!.. @@Soundnews
@joshswanedits9 ай бұрын
Man, how do the focal clear og sound on this? Ive been wanting to go either tube hybrid or full tube that supports low impedence. Pathos Aurium for hybrid or Fezz Audio Omega Lupi Evo - I wonder if this provides a massive improvement for a focal clear on a Burson Playmate 2.
@soulfulfool9 ай бұрын
you dont need hybrid amp, I personally push my Clear's by OTL tube amp they work fine, doesnt matter that they are low impedance (hybrid will never sound like pure OTL but as downside OTL do not work very well with planars)
@joshswanedits9 ай бұрын
@@soulfulfool My experience on pure OTL is terrible for the clear. Flabby slow bass boosted through the roof. Terrible. Today I listened through the FEZZ Omega Lupi and its was wonderful. Could set the impedance to low , medium or high. sounded great on medium.
@soulfulfool9 ай бұрын
@@joshswanedits depend on tubes and amp I guess, I use feliks elise no complaints
@1oldson8 ай бұрын
great review as usual. such a shame that this amp has so many reported issues (on head-fi), main one being the temperature. its put me off buying at the moment. maybe Aune will get this sorted? it remains on my shortlist for now. would like to see reviews of Violectric V222 and the Flux Mentor
@SimonP27 ай бұрын
The volume control issue has been fixed in current models with an update offered to older ones, and the heat isn't really an issue when it's in use unless you're leaning over it. The plus side is that as a result it sounds absolutely amazing.
@denis40727 ай бұрын
It's a class A amp. You going to expect heat. Get a class D if you dont need a mug warmer.
@arneseth381410 ай бұрын
How is the synergy with the HD800S and the S17 ?
@consistency190710 ай бұрын
Euphoric
@nelsonclub772210 ай бұрын
Has this not been superseded by the S9c Reference?
@illustrious42010 ай бұрын
S9c is a dac/amp, s17 is an additional amp if you feel s9c amp isn't enough
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
S9C Reference is a DAC & headphone amp, while S17 is just a headamp, but a considerably better one at that.
@nelsonclub772210 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews Thank you for that - could I effectively use the Reference as a preamp?
@banabachung449010 ай бұрын
@@Soundnews Great review!.. But I am curious how the amp section of S9c compares to the S17
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
@@banabachung4490 S9C has a great HP amp section, S17 has an Outstanding HP amp section. S17 has more power, better driver control, nicer dynamics (especially in Class-A mode), nicer depth, and overall, a more enjoyable sound
@hifix-man31910 ай бұрын
No reviewers or celebrities in headfi have decent gears to drive susvara, X9000 in a way to compare with the HE-1. How could you compare using entry mid range cabling, power, source, and mostly importantly cheap amp configuration to serve Sus to compare with much more costly HE-1. No comparabilties with that lame amps, and chains.
@aceofspades666710 ай бұрын
🔥🤜🤛
@Soundnews10 ай бұрын
🤜🤛
@nonchalantd10 ай бұрын
♥
@steinerikbhmer607310 ай бұрын
Great headamp
@krrm88179 ай бұрын
I'm testing this amplifier right now. Dynamics 0, flat as a table sound, plus three spaces for balance. I do not recommend this amplifier. Try listening to Heed Canapm 2 and everything will become clear... Ridiculously weak amplifier.
@syhi79718 ай бұрын
Jeez...heed is not even close.
@rawrj7 ай бұрын
Hey Sandu, sorry to ask this 2 months later but I was wondering if you would suggest this if my primary use case in IEMs? Most of the headphones I have are easy to drive but I do have some pretty sensitive IEMs. I'd hope not to need to use a DAC to lower the volume.